Water crisis due to dry weather - Water cuts begin in Padukka Homagama

Due to the prevailing severe dry and hot weather conditions and the rapid decline in water levels in reservoirs, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has decided to implement a phased 24-hour water cut and a special water management plan for several areas in the Western Province. Joining a special media briefing held today (02) at the Government Information Department, the Chairman of the Board, Engineer Chandana Bandara, emphasized that according to data from the Department of Meteorology, there is a risk of further reduced rainfall in the coming weeks, and with the upcoming festive season, public water consumption is likely to increase significantly, hence this step was taken.

As a direct result of the limited water production from Labugama and Kalatuwawa reservoirs, this water cut will affect the areas of Padukka, Homagama, and Pelanwatta, stated Ms. Disna Pannila, General Manager of the Western Central Region of the Water Supply Board. Accordingly, water supply to the Padukka area will be suspended for 24 hours from 8:00 PM today (02) until 8:00 PM tomorrow (03); for the Homagama area from 8:00 PM on April 03 until 8:00 PM on April 04; and for the Pelanwatta area from 8:00 PM on April 04 until 8:00 PM on April 05. After each respective water cut, continuous water supply will be provided for a period of four days, and water supply to these areas is planned to be suspended again on April 07 and 09.

Due to the reduced capacity of water sources, areas such as Piliyandala, Maharagama, Kesbewa, Kottawa, and Hokandara, especially those belonging to the Colombo District, will have to be supplied with water under low pressure in the future. However, the Water Supply Board has taken steps to ensure an uninterrupted water supply to essential service providers such as hospitals, schools, universities, government offices, and factories without any hindrance. Nevertheless, the Chairman pointed out that certain limitations might arise when supplying water to locations situated on high ground, and there is a possibility that only the ground floor of two-story houses will receive water.

In the face of this crisis, a special program for distributing water via bowsers has already been prepared for the convenience of people in areas without water. Engineer Chandana Bandara further stated that with the aim of minimizing hardship to the public, the entire staff of the Water Supply Board is currently engaged in essential services, performing duties day and night.